by adminFormal Opening Ceremony 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting
The formal Opening Ceremony of the FIDA Nigeria Second Quarter National Executive Council Meeting was held on the 22nd of June, 2022, at Command Guest House, Bauchi State. The Chairperson of FIDA Bauchi, Fatima Abubakar as Hostess, warmly welcomed all to Bauchi State.
In her Address, the Country Vice President (CVP) FIDA Nigeria Amina Suzanah Agbaje appreciated the state government for the support FIDA Bauchi has enjoyed since its inauguration. She acknowledged and most especially appreciated H.E the Wife of the Governor of Bauchi State Hajia Aisha Bala Muhammad for the key role she played towards the establishment of the state branch and continuous support. She similarly acknowledged all key stakeholders for their efforts.
The CVP appealed for more support for the young branch to get it working optimally in achieving set objectives
In attendance were special guests including: the Secretary to the State Government Alh Hashimu Ibrahim SSA Political, representative of the Speaker Bauchi State House of Assembly Hon Musa Wakili Nakwada, the Representative of the Chief Judge of Bauchi State Hon. Justice Fatima Jibrin
The Representative of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Bauchi State Shawanatu Yusuf, the Representative of the Emir Alh Usaini Jibo Dan Saran Bauchi, UNFPA Coordinator Bauchi State Mrs Ladi Alabi, Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command Umar Sanda Mamman, the Chairman NBA Bauchi Branch Jibrin Sa’id Jibrin also, the Representative of the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps Bauchi state Nurudeen Abdulahi.
The Event was declared opened by the Representative of the Chief Judge Hon. Justice Fatima Jibrin. Afterwards, a Keynote Address was delivered on ‘’Bauchi State Child Protection Bill: The Need to Pass the Law’’ presented by Dr. Umar Alkali a UNICEF consultant and Assoc. Prof. Faculty of Law, University of Maiduguri.
Goodwill Messages were received from well-wishers and partners amongst which were the NBA, Royal Father and the SSG Representative Alh. Hashimu Yakubu who assured FIDA of support from the state executive. The opening ceremony concluded with exchange of pleasantries amongst members and above all a great expectation on the events to follow.
by adminFIDA Nigeria NEC Cocktail Party
FIDA Nigeria NEC Meeting Delegates were warmly welcomed to Bauchi and hosted to a beautiful Cocktail by the host branch FIDA Bauchi. The NBA Bauchi Chairman Jibrin Sa’id Jibrin and members of the Executive were also on hand to support the occasion as they welcomed delegates from over twenty-eight states of Nigeria to Bauchi.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Outreach to Bauchi State Correctional Centre
FIDA Nigeria as part of her 2nd Quarter National Executive Council Meeting Activities was hosted by her Bauchi State Branch, ably led by the Chairperson Fatima Abubakar.
The line-up of activities commenced on Tuesday, the 21st of June 2022 with an outreach to the Bauchi State Correctional Centre where FIDA working in collaboration with her partners namely, Al-Muhibbah Foundation, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Self-discovery Empowerment Foundation, Medical Women Association of Nigeria Bauchi and Attah Sisters Helping Hands Foundation visited the Bauchi Custodial Centre.
Legal Clinics were held where cases of inmates were taken, psychosocial support and medical aid was also given particularly for the female inmates.
The First Lady of Bauchi State (Dr) Aisha Bala Mohammed, Founder of Al-Muhibbah Foundation, who is most passionate about support to the less privileged in our society was present with a large entourage which included the Deputy Governor’s wife Hajiya Aishatu Alhaji Baba Tela and wife of the SSG Hajiya Habiba Ibrahim Kasim. Words of encouragement and prayers were offered while necessary items such as toiletries and other materials were donated.
Furthermore, we ensured the release of some inmates by the payment of fines, fulfilment of bail conditions and so forth
At the end of the outreach, inmates expressed immense gratitude for the interventions while airing out on some of the challenges they faced with the legal processes/ system, the available infrastructure and inadequate facilities of the prison service.
They however commended the personnel ably led by the Controller DCC Aminu Yusuf whom they said were doing a great job nevertheless.
The FIDA Nigeria CVP, Amina Agbaje sincerely appreciated all support and interventions
by adminCapacity Building Workshop for Judges, Judicial and Legal Officers on Countering Trafficking-in-Persons, Bauchi State
FIDA Nigeria conducted a four-day capacity-building workshop in Bauchi, Bauchi State for judges, judicial and legal officers drawn from the judiciary, and the ministry of justice across Bauchi and Katsina States respectively in the Northern region. The workshop which held between 20th -23rd June 2022 at Chartwell Hotel & Suites Bauchi, Bauchi State was centered on Countering Trafficking-in-Person.
The workshop was organized with the intention of strengthening the capacities of judges, judicial and legal officers in the North to diligently prosecute and adjudicate in cases bordering on issues of trafficking-in-persons in their various capacities towards ensuring improved justice delivery in Nigeria. The workshop which spanned a 4-day period included different activities such as training sessions manned by facilitators, group presentations, focus group discussions, questions, feedback, networking, training pre and post-evaluation, and ice-breaker sessions. FIDA Nigeria employed a peer-learning and highly interactive approach to effectively actualize the objective of the workshop.
At the end of the workshop the capacity of the judges, judicial and legal officers to diligently prosecute, prevent & respond to cases of trafficking-in-persons in their various states was enhanced. Certificates of recognition was also issued to the participants at the end of the activities.
by adminFIDA Cross Rivers Held a 2-day Capacity Building Workshop on GRB
FIDA Cross River State on the 16th and 17th of June 2022, held her United Nations Spotlight Initiative Project Phase 2 Inception Meeting and a Capacity Building Workshop on Gender Responsive Budgeting for 33 women’s and girls’ rights advocates across the State
The outcomes of the Workshop were:
1. Introduction of the project to the selected women’s and girls’ rights advocates and CSOs.
2. An elicited commitment by these groups of individuals to support the Project.
3. Built and strengthened capacities of the selected advocates on gender-responsive budgeting as a tool for addressing VAWG/SGBV/HP.
4. Identification of cohort members in preparation for the Joint Advocacy Activity to be held subsequently on the project.
It was indeed a successful outing
by adminFIDA Warri Commemorates Day of the African Child 2022
In commemoration of the International Day of the African Child with the theme “Eliminating Harmful Practices affecting Children”, FIDA Warri branch paid an advocacy visit to Edulyn Secondary School Ekpan, today the 17th of June 2022.
The advocacy visit was to sensitize and teach the students about what these harmful practices are the effects of such harmful practices, and the ways these harmful can be eliminated to protect the rights of the African child.
The event kick-started with the introduction of what FIDA is all about by the Secretary, Yinka Charles- Lucky and the Chairperson Ogechi Jessica Megbele was the Speaker at the event, sensitizing the students on these harmful practices.
Gallant FIDANs were in attendance and did justice to the questions and answers session. The students, teachers, and the School Management were thrilled to have FIDA (Nig) Warri Branch visit their school
by adminCondolence Visit to The Governor of Ondo State
On June 15th, 2022 FIDA Oyo State, graciously received by FIDA Ondo State, paid a condolence visit to the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, in the wake of the dastardly murder of worshippers at the Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo Ondo State. FIDA is vehemently opposed to all manner of violence.
May the souls of the departed find rest.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Strategic Roundtable Dialogue for CSOs On Gender Responsive Bills and The 2023 General Elections
On the 14th of June 2022, FIDA Nigeria conducted a Strategic Roundtable Dialogue for Civil Society Organizations On Gender Responsive Bills and The 2023 General Elections, An activity under the ActionAid We-You Project.
Discussions were centred around women and youth participation in politics with a panel session on gender-responsive bills, the outcome of the Federal High Court judgement on 35% affirmative action for women and their implications for women’s participation in politics. Also, strategies on the way forward since the passage of the gender-responsive bills were discussed. The panellists included Madam Ene Ede, Lois Auta and Madam Benjamin Dayo.
Some points highlighted during the panel session include:
– The need for Civil society organizations to engage with the media for broader reach by demystifying the concept of Gender through step-down trainings, simplification of the laws, statistics representation via info graphs, and regular publication on issues as they affect the right of women.
– Leaving no one behind by engaging women at all levels of the society in advocacy.
– The need to start the groundwork for women interested in vying for elective offices in the 2027 general elections.
Upon conclusion of the panel session, strategies on ensuring the inclusion of women in governance processes post-2023 general elections was also discussed.
by adminFIDA Lagos Marks 2022 Law Week with Talk Shops & Grand Dinner
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Lagos Branch 2022 Law week programme with the theme “Education as a Catalyst for Boosting the Self Image of the African Child” took place between 14th and 18th June 2022.
The opening ceremony was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi , Victoria Island, Lagos under the distinguished Chairmanship of Tunde Busari, SAN. The Chairperson, Law Week Planning Committee, Abiola Laseinde, FCIS presented the welcome address while the FIDA Lagos Chairperson, Chinwe Efobi, FICMC made the opening remarks.
The keynote paper was presented by Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose SAN. The very enlightening and impactful presentation touched on several areas of the importance of quality education and came to the conclusion that the need for all-round education can never be overemphasized.
In the words of Bamgbose, “Educating the African Child is the best investment for societal development, and a positive self-image and development cannot be attained without education. If Africa desired a better image and development like other countries, then investment in education cannot be compromised, given that a positive self-image of a child cannot be accomplished without good education” she concluded.
There was a panel session after the presentation of the keynote lecture. The speakers were Mr. Owolabi Mayowa, Managing Partner PISTIS Partners LLP; Chairman, Continuing Legal Education, NBA Lagos. Dr. Ifyeyinwa Awagu, Director, Institute of Humanities Pan Atlantic University. Dr. Foluke Dada, Legal Researcher, Associate Professor, Caleb University Magodo Lagos. The panel session also had Mrs. Joy C. Ezeigbo, the Regional Vice President FIDA Africa and former DCVP FIDA Nigeria.
From their submissions, it was agreed that both formal and informal sectors of education need serious attention and a creative measure of delivering the curriculum is immediately necessary. Finally, the need for parental responsibilities through intentional parenting should be the ultimate for every parent who desires a progressive and sane society for economic development.
The 15th June, 2022 was set aside to brainstorm on “Capacity building sessions for the female professionals”. The virtual session had in attendance erudite speakers from different professional bodies who indeed did justice to the subject matter. The speakers were; Toyin Sani, Group CEO, Emerging Africa Capital. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, General Manager, Fixed Broadband MTN Nigeria. Yinka Ogunde, Principal Consultant EDUMARK. Mfon Usoro, Managing Partner, Paul Usoro & Co. The virtual event was graciously attended by the FIDA NIGERIA Country Vice President (CVP), Mrs. Amina Susanah Agbaje, who gave the opening remarks, FIDA Lagos Branch Exco and members, members from sister branches and the general public.
On the 16th day of June 2022, FIDA Lagos members and the Exco led by the Chairperson Mrs. Chinwe Efobi proceeded to the Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children, Surulere Lagos to celebrate the International Day of the African Child and to join them in commemoration of their 60th Anniversary. FIDA Lagos made a presentation of food items and toiletries to the pupils who in return entertained us with well-presented songs. The event was an interactive and successful session.
The grand finale of the Law Week was the Red Carpet Dinner with the theme “The Red Banquet” which was held at Colossus International Hotels, Ikeja under the distinguished Chairmanship of Mr. Y. C. Maikyau SAN.
The FIDA Lagos Law week 2022 was indeed a well packaged, well attended, very impactful, and highly successful event.
by adminDay Against Child Labour: FIDA Ondo Alongside Other Stakeholders Advocate Strengthening Of Social Protection System For Children
By OLUFISOYE ADENITAN
As the world celebrates International day against child labour with the theme ‘Universal social protection to end child labour’, Stakeholders have called for concerted efforts to improve social protection system for children.
According to United Nations, over 160 million children are still being used for labour, some as young as 5yrs.
Some stakeholders who spoke with Positive FM in Akure Ondo state were of the view that the figure was still high and worrisome hence the need for government to strengthen the social protection system to fight poverty, vulnerability and prevent child labour.
One of the stakeholders, the chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Ondo State, Mrs Jumoke Ogunjebi opined that eradication of child labour required a systemic approach and effective policies to strengthen the education system and also guarantee a decent workplace for parents and caregivers to address the conditions that drive child labour.
Mrs Ogunjebi explained that laws had been put in place by the Ondo state government to protect children against being used for labour.
Similarly, Mrs Folasade Bamigboye of the Kids &Teens Resource Centre Akure emphasized that child protection against labour should be taken seriously by the government to reduce the increasing criminal activities some children were regularly exposed to even at a tender age.
Mrs Bamigboye submitted that the government needed to ensure the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at fighting child labour in the country.